Remote access

Remote access as a data access channel

Remote access is provided to deidentified microdata sets only for scientific purposes, respecting the protection of individual statistical data and the data protection regulations. Remote access is provided from secure (accredited) access points, established according to the remote access criteria and operated under the same conditions as the Safe Centre.

Who can use remote access?

Remote access is available only for scientific purposes and access is granted only for approved research projects that meet all researcher accreditation criteria.

Datasets in remote access

Under remote access conditions the same standard datasets prepared for research and datasets prepared based on specific data requests are available for research under the same conditions as for Safe Centre access.

Standard datasets prepared for researchThe list of such datasets is available and kept up-to-date on the HCSO website. The list of standard datasets prepared for research is the same as listed under conditions of Safe Centre access.

Datasets prepared based on specific data requestsIf no suitable dataset is available on the list of standard datasets prepared for research for the given research purpose, preparation of additional datasets based on a specific data request can be requested for a fee. HCSO allows access to such specific datasets after the successful evaluation of the data request. Datasets prepared based on specific data requests are available only for the purposes of the research project requesting the concerned datasets.

Linked datasetsDuring the preparation of the requested datasets, linkage of different datasets or preparation of such datasets for linkage is possible. In the latter case the HCSO assigns such technical IDs to the microdata sets that allow no direct identification but the linkage of the different datasets.

External datasetsExternal datasets can also be used for producing research outputs, in addition to the datasets prepared by the HCSO for the concerned research project. These external datasets must be listed on the data request form for remote access. External datasets not listed on the data request form cannot be used for the concerned research project. In line with the operating rules of the Safe Centre, external datasets must not contain direct identifiers. Syntax files, variable lists and other auxiliary files prepared for the research can also be requested for the work in the remote access environment, given that these files are also indicated on the data request form.

Evaluation of remote access requestsFollowing the transmission of the data request form for remote access, the HCSO carries out researcher accreditation. Following the accreditation procedure the HCSO evaluates the data request if it can be fulfilled both from professional and data protection point of view. If additional consultation is necessary during the evaluation, the HCSO will contact the person sent the data request.

Signing contract and confidentiality commitmentContract and confidentiality commitments are to be signed for data requests successfully approved after researcher accreditation and evaluation of the request form from professional and data protection point of view. The contract sets the rights and obligations of the entity requesting access and the HCSO within the frame of the concerned research project. Sample of the standard templates for the contract and the confidentiality commitment are available here:Sample of the contractSample of the confidentiality commitment

Providing remote accessFollowing the signing of the contract and the confidentiality commitment, the HCSO provides remote access in accordance with the conditions and time frame specified in the contract and sends the necessary identification information to the researchers for the use of the accredited access point.

Operation of the accredited access points

The accredited access points are established according to the remote access criteria and operated under the same conditions as the Safe Centre. Information on conditions of Safe Centre access, operation of the accredited access points and software available for research in the remote access environment are available in the Safe Centre access section.

Remote access services available free of charge and for a fee

Conducting research on standard datasets prepared for research at the accredited access points is free of charge, including the output checking of the produced research outputs.

For the output checking of produced research outputs for datasets prepared based on specific data requests, 60.000 HUF/day + VAT is to be paid.

Publicity of information on research projects

For approved research proposals for remote access, the HCSO publishes the following information on each research project on its website:

topic of the research project

official full name of the Institution (in case of research with institutional background) or the name of the signatory (in case of research without institutional background)

Visiting the accredited access point

Researchers entitled to visit the accredited access points can use the accredited access point facility during its opening hours.